GENERAL INFORMATION

A poison is any substance harmful to the body.
Cats by nature are curious and have a tendency to hunt small game or explore
out-of-the-way places such as wood piles, weed thickets and storage ports.
These environments put them into contact with insects, dead animals and toxic
plants. It also means that in many cases of suspected poisoning the actual
agent will be unknown. The great variety of potentially poisonous plants and
shrubs makes identification difficult or impossible unless the owner has direct
knowledge that the cat has eaten a certain plant or product. Most cases suspected
of being malicious poisoning actually are not.

In some types of vegetation only certain parts of the plant are toxic. In others,
all parts are poisonous. Ingestion causes a wide range of symptoms. They include:
mouth irritation; drooling; vomiting; diarrhea; hallucinations; seizures; coma;
and death. Other plant substances cause skin rash. Some toxic plants have specific
pharmacological actions that are used in medicines.

Tables of toxic plants, shrubs and trees are included for reference. This
list is a collection of common toxic plants. It is not a list of all poisonous
plants.

POISONOUS HOUSEPLANTS

A. TOXIC HOUSEPLANTS may cause a rash after contact with the skin or mouth:

Chrysanthemum

Weeping fig

Creeping fig

Poinsettia

B. IRRITATING PLANTS, some of which contain oxalic acid that causes
mouth swelling; and occasionally may cause generalized toxicity such as
staggering and collapse:

Arrowhead vine

Malanga

Boston ivy

Marble queen

Caladium

Mother-in-law plant (snake plant)

Calla or Arum lily

Neththyis

Dumbcane

Parlor ivy

Elephant's ear

Pothos or Devil's lily

Emerald duke

Peace lily

Heart leaf

Red princess (philodendron)

Jack-in-the-pulpit

Saddle leaf (philodendron)

Majesty

Split leaf (philodendron)

C. TOXIC PLANTS may contain a wide variety of poisons. Most cause vomiting,
abdominal pain, cramps. Some cause tremors, heart and respiratory or kidney
problems, which are difficult for an owner to interpret:

Amaryllis

Ivy

Asparagus fern

Jerusalem cherry

Azalea

Needlepoint ivy

Bird of paradise

Pot mum

Creeping charlie

Ripple ivy

Crown of thorns

Spider mum

Elephant ears

Sprangeri fern

Glocal ivy

Umbrella plant

Heart ivy

OUTDOOR PLANTS WITH TOXIC EFFECTS

A. OUTDOOR PLANTS that produce vomiting and diarrhea in some cases:

Delphinium

Skunk cabbage

Larkspur

Daffodil

Poke weed

Indian tobacco

Castor bean

Bittersweet woody

Wisteria

Indian turnip

Ground cherry

Soap berry

Fox glove

B. TREES AND SHRUBS that are poisonous and may produce vomiting, abdominal
pain and in some cases diarrhea:

Azalea

Western yew

Wild cherry (rhododendron)

Horse chestnut

Privet

Balsam pear

Buckeye

Mock orange

Black locust

Rain tree

Bird of paradise bush

English Yew

Monkey pod

Apricot, almond

English holly

American yew

Peach cherry

Japanese plum

C. OUTDOOR PLANTS with varied toxic effects:

Rhubarb

Buttercup

Moonseed

Spinach

Nightshade

May apple

Sunburned potatoes

Poison hemlock

Dutchman's breeches

Loco weed

Pig weed

Angel's trumpet

Lupine

Water hemlock

Jasmine

Dologeton

Mushrooms

Matrimony vine

D. HALLUCINOGENS:

Marijuana

Nutmeg

Peyote

Morning glory

Periwinkle

Loco weed

E. CONVULSIONS:

China berry

Moonweed

Water hemlock

Coriaria

Nux vomica

TREATING FOR CONTACT WITH TOXINS OR POISONS

If you think your cat may have been poisoned, first try to identify
the poison. Most products containing chemicals are labeled for identification.
Read the label. If this does not give you a clue to the plant's possible
toxicity, call the emergency room of your local hospital and ask for information
from the PoisonControlCenter. Alternately, call
the National Animal Poison Control Center at (800)548-2423 or (900)680-0000.
This hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is a credit
card charge for the consultation.

The most important step in treatment is to eliminate the poison from your cat's
stomach by making the cat vomit. In certain cases, induction of vomiting is
contraindicated. For more information, see How to Induce Vomiting earlier
in this chapter.

HOW TO DELAY OR PREVENT ABSORPTION

Activated charcoal is used to coat the bowel and delay or prevent
absorption. In most cases it is difficult to administer activated charcoal
to a cat without first placing a stomach tube. Mix one part activated charcoal
to six parts cold water. Give four to eight teaspoons. Follow 30 minutes
later with Milk of Magnesia, 1/2 teaspoon per five pounds body
weight. Placing a stomach tube in a cat is not without risk. The best advice
for a severely ill cat is to induce vomiting and then proceed directly
to the nearest veterinary facility.

In the less severely ill cat, coat the bowel with milk, egg whites or
vegetable oil. The dose of vegetable oil is two teaspoons for the average-sized
cat. It should be added to the feed, but not force-fed by mouth because this
could lead to aspiration pneumonia.

If your cat has a poisonous substance on the skin or coat, flush the area with
copious amounts of water for five minutes. Wearing gloves, give the cat a complete
bath in lukewarm, not cold, water, as described in the SKIN chapter.
Even if not irritating the skin, the substance should be removed. Otherwise,
the cat may lick it off and swallow it. Soak gasoline and oil stains with mineral
or vegetable oil (do not use paint thinner or turpentine). Work in well. Then
wash with a mild soap. Rub in cornstarch or flour.

A cat beginning to show signs of nervous system involvement is in deep trouble.
At this point, get your cat to a veterinarian as quickly as possible.
Try to bring a sample of vomitus, or better yet the actual poison in the original
container. Do not delay to administer first aid. If the cat is convulsing,
unconscious or not breathing, see CPR.

Prevention: Prevent roaming, especially in grain and livestock areas
where rat poisons may have been placed. Store all poisons in original containers
in a safe location out of reach of cats. When using snail bait poisons, use
commercial holders designed to keep bait away from pets.

The poisons discussed below are included because they are among the most frequently
seen by veterinarians.

STRYCHNINE

Strychnine is used as a rat, mouse and mole poison. It is also
a common coyote bait. It is available commercially as coated pellets dyed
purple, red or green. Signs of poisoning are so typical that the diagnosis
can be made almost at once. Onset is sudden (less than two hours). The
first signs are agitation, excitability and apprehension. They are
followed rather quickly by intensely painful tetanic seizures that last
about 60 seconds, during which the cat throws the head back, can't breathe
and turns blue. The slightest stimulation such as tapping the cat or clapping
the hands starts a seizure. This characteristic response is used to make
the diagnosis. Other signs associated with nervous system involvement are
tremors, champing, drooling, uncoordinated muscle spasms, collapse and
paddling of the legs.

Seizures due to strychnine and other central nervous system toxins are sometimes
misdiagnosed as epilepsy. This error would be a mistake because immediate veterinary
attention is necessary. Epileptic seizures usually last a few minutes and do
not recur during the same episode. Signs always appear in a certain order,
and each attack is the same. They are over before the cat can get to a veterinarian.
Usually, they are not considered emergencies (see NERVOUS SYSTEM: Seizure
Disorders).

Treatment: If your cat is showing the first signs of poisoning and hasn't
vomited, induce vomiting as discussed earlier in this chapter. Do not induce
vomiting if the cat exhibits signs of labored breathing.

With signs of central nervous system involvement, do not take time to induce
vomiting. It is important to avoid loud noises or unnecessary handling that
might trigger a seizure. Cover your cat with a coat or blanket and go to
the nearest veterinary clinic.

SODIUM FLUOROACETATE (1080)

This chemical, used as a rat poison, is mixed with cereal, bran
and other rat feeds. It is so potent that cats and dogs can be poisoned
just by eating a dead rodent. The onset is sudden and begins with vomiting--followed
by agitation, straining to urinate or defecate, a staggering gait, atypical
fits or true convulsions and then collapse. Seizures are not triggered
by external stimuli as are those of strychnine poisoning.

Treatment: Immediately after the cat ingests the poison, induce vomiting.
Care and handling is the same as for strychnine. A specific antidote is available.

ARSENIC

Arsenic is combined with metaldehyde in slug and snail baits
and may appear in ant poisons, weed killers and insecticides. Arsenic is
also a common impurity found in many chemicals. Death can occur quickly,
before there is time to observe the symptoms. In more protracted cases
the signs are thirst, drooling, vomiting, staggering, intense abdominal
pain, cramps, diarrhea, paralysis and death. The breath of the cat has
a strong odor of garlic.

METALDEHYDE

This poison, often combined with arsenic, is used commonly in
rat, snail and slug baits. The signs of toxicity are excitation, drooling
and slobbering, uncoordinated gait, muscle tremors and weakness that leads
to inability to stand within a few hours of ingestion. The tremors are
not triggered by external stimuli.

Treatment: Immediately after the cat ingests the poison, induce vomiting.
The care and handling are the same as for strychnine.

LEAD

Lead is found in insecticides and serves as a base for many
commercial paints. Intoxication occurs mainly in kittens and young cats
that chew on substances coated with a lead paint. Other sources of lead
are linoleum, batteries and plumbing materials. Lead poisoning can occur
in older cats following the ingestion of an insecticide containing lead.
A chronic form does occur.

Acute poisoning begins with abdominal colic and vomiting. In the chronic form,
a variety of central nervous system signs are possible. They include fits,
uncoordinated gait, excitation, attacks of hysteria, weakness, stupor and blindness.
These are signs of encephalitis.

PHOSPHORUS

This chemical is present in rat and roach poisons, fireworks,
flares, matches and matchboxes. A poisoned cat may have a garlic odor to
its breath. The first signs of intoxication are vomiting and diarrhea.
They may be followed by a symptom-free interval--then by recurrent vomiting,
cramps, pain in the abdomen, convulsions and coma.

There is no specific antidote. Treat as you would for strychnine.

ZINC PHOSPHIDE

This substance also is found in rat poisons. Intoxication causes
central nervous system depression; labored breathing; vomiting (often of
blood); weakness; convulsions; and death. There is no specific antidote.
Treat as you would for strychnine.

RODENTICIDE ANTICOAGULANTS

Accidental ingestion of anticoagulant rodenticides placed by
laymen and commercial exterminators is a common cause of bleeding in cats.
These poisons exert their effect by blocking the synthesis of Vitamin K,
which is required for normal blood clotting. Vitamin K deficiency results
in spontaneous bleeding. There are no observable signs of poisoning
until the cat begins to pass blood in the stool or urine, bleeds from the
nose, or develops hemorrhages beneath the gums and skin. The cat may be
found dead from internal hemorrhage.

The first generation coumadin anticoagulants (warfarin, pindone)
required repeated exposure to produce lethal effects. However, newer second
generation anticoagulants of the bromadiolone and brodifacoum groups, including D-Con, MousePrufeII, Harvoc and Talan require
only a single exposure. In fact, a cat can become poisoned if it eats a rodent
killed by one of these products. In addition, these poisons remain in the cat's
system for a long time and can require medical treatment for up to one month.

Treatment: Identify the exact anticoagulant if possible. Induce vomiting
on suspicion of ingestion. Seek veterinary attention. Spontaneous bleeding
is corrected with fresh whole blood or frozen plasma. Vitamin K is a specific
antidote. It is given by injection, after which the cat is placed on Vitamin
K tablets for several days or weeks.

OTHER RODENTICIDES

Rampage is a popular cereal bait poison that contains Vitamin
D3 (cholecalciferol). Toxic levels of Vitamin D3 cause
a sudden rise in blood calcium levels, leading to vomiting and diarrhea,
seizures and heart and kidney failure. Treatment is directed at lowering
the serum calcium and requires veterinary management.

Bromethalin is a rodenticide found in Assault and Vengeance (Velsicol).
One to two tablespoons are toxic to cats. Signs of poisoning include agitation,
staggering, muscle tremors, high fever, stupor and seizures. Death is common
once symptoms appear.

ANTIFREEZE (ETHYLENE GLYCOL)

Poisoning with antifreeze is one of the most common poisoning
conditions found in cats because ethyleneglycol has a sweet
taste that appeals to cats* and dogs. One teaspoon of antifreeze can kill
an average-sized cat. Signs of toxicity, which appear suddenly, are vomiting,
uncoordinated gait (seems "drunk"), weakness, stupor and coma.
Death can occur in 12 to 36 hours. Convulsions are unusual. Cats that recover
from the acute poisoning may have damage to their kidneys and go on to
kidney failure.

Treatment: Induce vomiting on suspicion of ingestion and proceed at
once to the nearest veterinary facility. Intravenous alcohol is a specific
antidote. Intensive care in an animal hospital may prevent kidney complications.

*(A reader noted that Scientific America states that cats do not taste sweets. However, please continue to be extremely careful in how antifreeze is handled around pets as it is extremely toxic.)

ORGANOPHOSPHATES AND CARBAMATES

These substances are used on cats to kill fleas and other parasites.
Common organophosphates are Chloropyrifos and Carbaryl, but
there are others. They are also used in garden sprays and in some dewormers.
Improper application of insecticides to the cat can lead to absorption
of a toxic dose through the skin. These drugs affect the nervous system
primarily. Insecticides are discussed in the SKIN chapter.

PETROLEUM PRODUCTS (GASOLINE, KEROSENE, TURPENTINE)

These volatile liquids can cause pneumonia if aspirated or inhaled.
The signs of toxicity are vomiting, difficulty in breathing, tremors, convulsions
and coma. Death is by respiratory failure.

CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS

These compounds, like the organophosphates, are incorporated
into some insecticide preparations (not for use on cats). The common products
in veterinary use are Chlordane, Toxaphene, Lindane, and Methoxychlor.
Accidental application to cats produces muscle twitching, excitation and
convulsions. Bathe the animal immediately to remove the substance from
its coat. Veterinary attention is imperative.

CORROSIVES (ACID AND ALKALI)

Corrosives and caustics are found in household cleaners, drain
decloggers and commercial solvents. When ingested, they cause burns of
the mouth, esophagus and stomach. Severe cases are associated with acute
perforation (or late stricture) of the esophagus and stomach.

Treatment: Rinse out your cat's mouth. Administer water or soda pop
by mouth (one ounce per six pounds body weight), then give two teaspoons of
vegetable oil once. You can add this to the cat's food. The practice of giving
an acid to neutralize an alkali and vice versa is no longer recommended because
it causes heat injury to the lining of the stomach.

In either situation, do not induce vomiting. Vomiting could result in rupture
of the stomach and burns of the esophagus.

GARBAGE POISONING (FOOD POISONING)

Cats are more particular than dogs about what they eat. Nevertheless,
they are also scavengers and come into contact with carrion (rotting flesh
or meat), decomposing foods, animal manure and other noxious substances
(some of which are listed in DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Diarrhea). Cats are
more sensitive than dogs to food poisoning and exhibit effects at lower
levels. Signs of poisoning begin with vomiting and pain in the abdomen.
In severe cases they are followed two to six hours later by a diarrhea
that is often bloody. Shock may occur--particularly if the problem is complicated
by bacterial infection. Mild cases recover in one to two days.

Treatment: Seek immediate veterinary attention for signs of dehydration,
toxicity and shock. In mild cases, coat the bowel as described earlier in this
chapter.

TOAD AND SALAMANDER POISONING

In the United States there are two species of poisonous toad
(Bufo). The Colorado River Toad is found in the Southwest and Hawaii.
The Marine Toad is found in Florida. There is one species of poisonous
salamander, the California newt, found in California.

All toads have a bad taste. Cats that mouth them slobber, spit and drool. The
Marine Toad is highly poisonous, causing death in as little as 15 minutes.
Symptoms in cats depend on the toxicity of the toad or salamander and the amount
of poison absorbed. They vary from merely slobbering to convulsions, blindness
and death.

Treatment: Flush out your cat's mouth (use a garden hose if necessary)
and induce vomiting as described earlier in this chapter. Be prepared to administer
CPR. Cats with salamander poisoning usually recover quickly.

PEOPLE MEDICINES

Veterinarians frequently are called because a cat has swallowed
pills intended for the owner or has eaten too many pills prescribed for
the cat. (Some cat pills are flavored to encourage cats to eat them.) Drugs
most commonly involved are antihistamines, pain relievers, sleeping pills,
diet pills, heart preparations and vitamins.

Cats appear to be unusually sensitive to drugs and medications. The reasons
for this are discussed in the chapter DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS. Common household
items considered safe for humans may be toxic to cats. All episodes of drug
ingestion should be taken seriously.

Treatment: Induce vomiting and coat the bowel as described earlier in
this chapter. Discuss the potential toxicity of the drug with your veterinarian.